Highlights

TANKAKU-GYU

Yamagata-mura TANKAKU-GYU (Shorthorn Beef), produced in Yamagata-cho, Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, is a very tasty beef that is served at high-class hotels and restaurants in Tokyo. It is characterized by its relatively low fat content and rich red meat taste. Although its distribution is small, it has gained hidden popularity as “ a beef known only to people in the know”.

MAMEBU 

MAMEBU is a local dish from Yamagata-cho, Kuji City, 
Walnut and brown sugar dumplings wrapped in flour and vegetables are served in a soup flavored with kombu (kelp), niboshi (dried sardines) and soy sauce.

BIRCH FOREST

Hiraniwa-Kogen (The Hiraniwa Plateau) in Yamagata cho, designated as an Iwate Prefectural Natural Park, has the best birch forest in Tohoku. You can enjoy trekking through beautiful scenery from season to season.

MASHROOMS

Shiitake mushroom log cultivation is a cultivation method in which fungi are planted on oak, sawtooth oak, and other hardwood logs cut from the mountains as “hodagoki. Visit a shiitake mushroom farmer to experience the actual harvesting of shiitake mushrooms.

CHARCOAL

Yamagata-cho, Kuji City, was known as “the best charcoal-making village in Japan” and played an important role as a local industry. Visitors can observe the cutting of logs and the kiln.

WINE

Kuzumaki Wine is a winery located in Hiraniwa Kogen. The winery is famous for its wines made from mountain grapes, and tours and tastings are available.

BBQ

Whether Japanese, French, or Italian, there are many delicious ways to eat shorthorn beef. But the best way is to grill it over charcoal with salt and pepper! say the locals. Let's experience the simple taste of Shorthorn Beef while interacting with beef producers!

AMA FISHING

Kosode-Kaigan (The Kosode Coast) is famous for traditional Ama fishing (fishing by women divers). You can learn about the history of ama fishing at the Ama Women's Center, which stands on the rias coast. Depending on the season, you may also be able to observe a fishing demonstration.

Kuji City Amber Museum

This is the only museum in Japan dedicated exclusively to amber.

The museum is surrounded by lush forests, offering a privileged setting where visitors can fully enjoy the changing seasons—from the fresh greenery of spring to the deep green of summer and the vibrant autumn foliage.

With the cooperation of local producers and Kuji City, visitors will encounter pastured, naturally bred TANKAKU-GYU in Yamagata Village, the main center of Shorthorn beef production in Japan, and enjoy the charm of nature and agricultural, forestry, and livestock production through “exchanges with producers”.

The tour will be accompanied by personalities with local expertise. This is a valuable trip that is difficult to realize with existing package tours.